Anyone Interested in Using Thorite Cement for Reef Building

[cerreta]

OK, here's the scoop.

There is a cement called Thorite Rapid Vertical, made by Thoro. It has been exclusively used at Wikiki Aquariums and was featured in Sprung's book, The Reef Aqauriums Vol 3 pg 562. It is reef safe and uses no antifungals.

The cement is unique in its ability to hold its shape on vertical surfaces. It may also be used to attach live rock to other rock as well as fiberglass, and plastic.

I suppose it may be used in existing aquariums to attach live rock and make plugs and interesting DIY Live Rock too. However, it would be better served for someone setting up a new aquarium and one who wants to build a secure reef aquascape with no visible zip ties (this stuff works great to layer over zip ties and hide them).

The cement is a powder and comes in a 50# bag. It cannot be found locally. I will special order this from CA and the cost is $53.65 + roughly $40 for shipping. Rough price is $100. I am hoping to get a few interested people that would like 10# of the cement for $20.00.

I know of several people at the moment setting up a new tank, would you guys be interested in this product?

 

[cerreta]

Here is the excerpt from Delbbek, J.C., Sprung, J. 2006, The Reef Aquarium Volume 3, pg.562-563.

ââ"šÂ¬Ã…"œThorite is a cement-based product that can be used to attach live rocks together, attach corals to rock, or make plugs to aquaculture corals on. Thorite is also useful for hiding cable ties, and for attaching liverock to fiberglass grating. The product contains fibers that help hold its shape when applied to vertical surfaces. It can be used underwater but is messy; it is best used on wet rock out of the water and then submerged once it begins to set (within 20 minutes). There are several different types of Thorite available from a variety of manufacturers; the product pictured here has been used successfully at the Waikiki Aquarium for several years. Some products contain anti-fungal agents and are not suitable for aquarium use. Read the label carefully and always test a product before using it in a reef aquarium.ââ"šÂ¬Ã‚

 

[SWSaltwater]

where can I get it in California, I am going there this weekend for some livestock I can pick it up and save the shipping. Been wanting to make some plugs for frags anyhow........

 

[olin]

I'm in for 10#...20 if we don't have to pay shipping -thanks Rob!
I wanted to build a solid rock back wall for a 30 cube and this stuff sounds perfect! Now I just need a cube...

 

[cerreta]

Well, I'm not sure where the office is, but the guy told me that he did not have it in stock and had to order it, so I am uncertain if it would be there before your trip.
I will call.

 

[cerreta]

OK, so I called. Here's the scoop. I thought this guy was in CA, but no. He is here in Tucson and has to order the product direct from Thoro. The freight charge is to cover the shipping expense to get the product to them.

There may be an office in SanDiego, I can investigate this further if this is a possible pick up spot for you Rob?


Mike, the POC, will followup to verify exact costs and it seems like there may be enough interest to buy it.

 

[cerreta]

So, the product is shipping from Newark, Ca. Rob do you know where this is?

The cost is 34.83 for a 50lb bag, frieght is 48.00, total is $82.83, plus tax. That's cheaper than expected and I can pick this up in town.

 

[SWSaltwater]

I am sure someone in LA will have it. I will aks around at the wholesalers to see.

Rob

 

[cerreta]

great, thanks Rob. Make sure that it is Thoro brand Thorite Rapid Vertical. There are many other brands and types of Thorite, but they are have not been proven to be reef safe and they are intended for different purposes.

 

[SWSaltwater]

my LA trip was postpned one weekend so I have more time to find a dealer. Now I can go to the Sierra Vista Coral Sale.

 

[cerreta]

OK, it was ordered and should be in next week. Please reply again if you want 10# of the cement. I would like to get four contributors. The cost after tax will be about $90.00, so about $18.00 per 10# order.

 

[cerreta]

OK, I have Olin down for one, and Bagelz from Phx. Only two more portions are available. Anyone?

 

[cerreta]

OK, I picked up the Thorite today. It came in a 50 lb bag, as expected. I will divy it up into five 10# portions. the total price with tax is $85.48 / 5 shares = $17.10 just make it $17.00 each for simplicity.

Those who have confirmed they want a share are Olin and Bagelz from Phx. There are two more shares available for the next two interested parties.

I believe Bagelz will be coming down to Tucson to pickup his share, maybe he would be willing to bring back more if other Phx people were interested. Bagelz?

 

[cerreta]

OK, the Thorite has been divided into 10# portions. PM me for address and pickup info. Cost $17 / 10#
Cheers

 

[blakeoe]

have you guys put this stuff in your tanks yet? If so how is it working? Is it suitable to make "the ultimate DIY liverock" with? I am thinking about doing a group buy in louisiana.

 

[cerreta]

Love the stuff. I have used it in several tanks now. It is a bit expensive for making live rock. I think the cheaper stuff does fine for this use.


Thorite is best when used to support reef structures. This cement is $35 for 50 pounds. Not to mention the $40 freight I had to pay for a special order. You may not have to invest so much if a local builders supply stocks it.

Good luck

 

[blakeoe]

what cheaper stuff are you referring to?

 

[cerreta]

HD stuff. Many people use the Portland cement.

 

[scubabum1983]

I may be in for a portion to try in my new 40 shoot me as pm.

 

[blakeoe]

yes i have tried the portland (i have about 50 lbs that have been soaking for about 6 weeks) Im looking for something that will not raise the ph. I want to be able to make a piece and put it in a.s.a.p.